Bone Graft Surgery: Restoring Bone for Lasting Smiles
Over time, the jawbone begins to shrink and deteriorate when a tooth is lost, as there’s no longer any stimulation from the tooth’s root. This bone loss can complicate or even prevent the placement of dental implants without the aid of bone grafting. By restoring lost bone volume, bone grafting creates a strong foundation that supports successful dental implants.
At Smilo Dental Implants Belfast, we specialise in advanced bone grafting techniques, personalised to meet each patient’s specific needs. Whether bone loss has occurred due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or trauma, our grafting procedures help restore the jawbone, improving both functionality and aesthetics for future implants.
This procedure is especially beneficial for:
- Patients who have experienced significant bone resorption after long periods of tooth loss.
- Individuals who have been told they’re not suitable for implants due to inadequate bone volume.
- Those seeking to enhance their facial appearance or improve the fit of dentures.
By rebuilding the jawbone with precise, minimally invasive techniques, we ensure that your implants are securely placed, providing you with a natural, lasting smile.
Types of Bone Grafting Techniques
- Onlay Graft – Bone is applied to the top of the existing jawbone to rebuild lost volume, often used in severe bone loss cases.
- Block Graft – A solid block of bone (from the patient or a donor) is secured with screws to rebuild large bone areas.
- Particulate Grafting – Small bone particles promote faster healing and tissue regeneration, ideal for filling minor bone voids.
- Interpositional Graft – The patient’s own bone is repositioned to create a stronger foundation for implants.
- Sinus Lift – For upper jawbone loss, this procedure involves adding bone beneath the sinus membrane to make the area suitable for implants.
- Ridge Expansion – When the jawbone is too narrow, it is gently widened to accommodate implants securely.
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Healing & Recovery Following Bone Grafting Surgery
Recovery times can vary based on the graft type, with patients typically requiring 3 to 6 months for the new bone to fully integrate into the jaw. Proper aftercare is crucial for the success of the procedure.
Mild swelling and discomfort may occur, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief.
A soft food diet is recommended initially to avoid putting stress on the grafted area.
Regular follow-up appointments with your implant dentist will be scheduled to monitor progress and determine the right time to place the implants.
Advanced healing methods, such as plasma-rich growth factors (PRGF), may be used to speed up recovery.
Once fully healed, the grafted bone provides a solid, long-term foundation for dental implants, ensuring they function like natural teeth.
If you’ve been informed that you lack enough bone for implants, don’t lose hope. Our expert team at Smilo Dental Implants Belfast is here to guide you through the process. Book a consultation today today to discuss your bone grafting and implant options!